emotive

adjective

emo·​tive i-ˈmō-tiv How to pronounce emotive (audio)
1
: of or relating to the emotions
2
: appealing to or expressing emotion
the emotive use of language
3
chiefly British : causing strong emotions often in support of or against something
… the latest proposal aimed at breaking a long-running deadlock over the emotive issue of whaling …Tom Pfeiffer
emotively adverb
emotivity noun

Examples of emotive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This blues-rock track captures both the struggle and pride of small-town life, delivered through emotive vocals and raw guitar riffs. Spin Contributor, SPIN, 4 Feb. 2025 He was joined by a small string section as well as young guitar virtuoso Grace Bowers, who added two emotive solos to the song. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 2 Feb. 2025 Photo: Getty Images Catherine often chooses jewelry and accessories with a royal context and more emotive connections. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2025 Voice-only performances of Holmes and Watson date back to 1930 (in radio serials, not video games), and Riley joins the historic tradition with a performance that’s convincing and endearing, lending Watson an emotive, classic quality that invites the player to navigate the mystery themselves. Rory Doherty, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for emotive 

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of emotive was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near emotive

Cite this Entry

“Emotive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emotive. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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